Catholic ALP senator says ‘no’ to marriage equality push

Former parliamentary secretary for social inclusion Senator Ursula Stephens will vote against same-sex marriage.

Writing on her personal blog, Stephens said she had received lots of correspondence about the issue following a Greens motion to canvass constituents’ views, but she said most people who contacted her oppose same-sex marriage.

“I am a practising Catholic and support the view that marriage should be between a man and a woman,” Stephens wrote. “While many same-sex couples tell us their relationship is identical with marriage, [most] constituents who have contacted me on this subject believe that marriage is definitely not the same as a relationship between a couple of the same sex. I have given this matter serious thought, and while I respect those whose opinions differ from mine, I intend to vote against a change to the legislation should it be introduced.”

Stephens served in the social inclusion role under then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. She attracted controversy when, at a Christian anti-gay marriage breakfast, she left out part of a prepared speech that included sentiments that the Rudd Government believed people were entitled to respect, dignity and the opportunity to participate in society and be protected by the law regardless of their sexuality or marital status.